Third cycle reapplicant

[JosephHMcMama]

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Hey gang,

I’m in the coping stage of the cycle and would greatly appreciate any feedback on ways I can improve my chances of matriculating if I need to reapply. I’m in NC, and this is my third cycle. So far, I’ve heard back from 5 out of 20 schools, with 2 rejections and 3 schools on hold for interviews. This past cycle, I interviewed at Wake Forest and UNC. I was rejected by both. Honestly, I think my UNC interview went well, but I’ll admit that I bombed the Wake Forest interview, so that rejection did not surprise me.

Stats:

• Cumulative GPA: 3.65, Science GPA: 3.59, with a strong upward trend
• MCAT: 509 (2022) → 517 (2025)

Clinical Experience:

• ~5,000 hours as a surgical assistant at a Mohs center
• ~800 hours as a scrub tech at an ASC, current full-time job

Research:

• ~750 hours as a research assistant, no publications or presentations, part-time

Volunteering:

• ~200 hours at Habitat for Humanity building houses
• ~30 hours as a Spanish interpreter at a local dental clinic for the uninsured

Leadership:

• ~500 hours as a team leader at a moving company

I’m not even sure if this is the right place to post, but I want to know what I can do to improve my chances in case I have to run it back. I went into this cycle naively thinking that my improved MCAT score would open a lot of doors. I hired a consultant to help with my essays, so I don’t think essay quality is the issue, though I know there is always room to improve. I also understand that having publications would help, and that my GPA is on the lower side, but I cannot stomach the idea of getting a master’s degree, and I thought my MCAT would show that I can hang.

Thank you for your time. I really appreciate any feedback!

 

[Faha]

Rather than apply for a 4th cycle, apply to DO schools this cycle. November is not late for a DO application and you are competitive for all DO schools with your stats. I suggest these DO schools:
CUSOM
VCOM (all schools)
WVSOM
PCOM (all schools)
LECOM (all schools)
ACOM
NYITCOM
Touro-NY
MU-COM
DMU-COM
ATSU-KCOM
KCU-COM
AZCOM

 

[Mr.Smile12]

If this is your third attempt, you MUST include DO schools, especially if you cannot stomach throwing money down for another postbac/SMP. Your GPA doesn't indicate that you need one.

I also must mention that many MD schools do not consider 3x applicants. We don't have your real application, but my impression is that your community service hours are light for a 3x applicant given that you have been out of school at least 1 year. Wake and UNC may not have given you a chance as they may have perceived you did not significantly improve your profile from your previous file review.

 

[JosephHMcMama]

Thank you for your insights. I recently submitted my DO school applications. I added research experience, an improved MCAT, and my OR work as a scrub tech this cycle, so I thought that would be sufficient, but maybe I misjudged. Again, I really appreciate you taking the time to give me feedback.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

You got rejections from two in-state programs that interviewed you the previous year. Ideally you should get actionable feedback to improve your profile, but you had enough in your profile to get those interviews, but didn't improve enough to get a second chance. How did you mess up your WF interview?

It's also quite early in the AACOMAS cycle.

 

[Faha]

You could also apply to Methodist Medical School, which is now accepting applications this month.

 

[JosephHMcMama]

I have not received a decision from either UNC or WF, but I understand that the remaining interview slots are dwindling. WF uses Kira talent for their interviews so I felt awkward with the formatting and it bled into how I responded.

I am applying to Methodist as well. Thanks again, I really appreciate your feedback!

 

[karaya]

Minus the first MCAT, I had a similar app to yours. I got 4 IIs and the first one arrived the day after Thanksgiving. It's not over yet, trust the process.

 

[JosephHMcMama]

Wow, that's incredibly encouraging. Thank you for sharing!